Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has long been misunderstood, especially in women and girls. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Brady Bradshaw and Dr. Allison Brazendale, two experts in adolescent and adult mental health, to break down why ASD is often underdiagnosed in females. We dive into pink flags, the subtle signs that might indicate ASD, and discuss why so many girls and women go undiagnosed for years. Plus, we explore the overlap between ASD and ADHD, the role of sensory sensitivities, and how understanding ASD can lead to greater self-acceptance and connection.

Episode Highlights:

[00:03] – Welcome back! Introducing our expert guests, Dr. Brady Bradshaw and Dr. Allison Brazendale, and today’s topic: ASD in women and girls.

[01:55] – Why is autism so often underdiagnosed in females? Breaking down outdated stereotypes and the challenges of diagnosis.

[04:18] – Pink flags: The subtle early signs of ASD in girls that are often overlooked.

[06:50] – The effortful nature of social interactions and why masking can be exhausting.

[09:56] – How girls on the spectrum struggle with friendships and group dynamics.

[12:36] – The overlap between ADHD and autism—how to tell the difference.

[14:45] – What’s happening in the brain? Understanding the neurobiological differences of ASD.

[23:37] – Sensory sensitivities: Why environments like grocery stores can feel overwhelming.

[26:25] – Breaking the stigma: How the conversation around ASD is shifting, and why some are resistant to the diagnosis.

[33:13] – Signs of ASD in adult women—what to look for if you suspect you or someone you know might be on the spectrum.

[38:45] – ASD and relationships: Challenges in communication, perspective-taking, and emotional connection.

[47:55] – The strengths of ASD: Deep focus, intelligence, and unique ways of seeing the world.

Resources:

Dr. Brady Bradshaw’s website: https://www.bradybradshawmd.com/

Book: Is This Autism? https://www.amazon.com/This-Autism-Donna-Henderson/dp/103215022X/ref=asc_df_103215022X?mcid=c3343feccc2d380f97695f5d35

For more on this topic visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org If you have questions please email us at info@insightsfromthecouch.org we would love to hear from you!

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In this week’s episode, we take a deep dive into anxiety—something that affects nearly 20% of the population and twice as many women as men. We chat about the different ways anxiety can show up in your life, the underlying causes, and the tools you can use to cope. Whether it’s hormonal fluctuations, past trauma, or just the demands of our fast-paced culture, anxiety can hit us all, but there’s hope for healing and thriving.

We also share our own experiences with anxiety (yep, even therapists feel it!) and discuss effective approaches like EMDR, exposure response prevention, and mindfulness. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of anxiety and practical tips to help you or someone you care about take control.

Episode Highlights:
[00:00] - Reflecting on our personal experiences with anxiety.
[02:56] - How anxiety manifests differently in women, from Type A tendencies to the effects of hormonal shifts.
[07:18] - Exploring the “volcano metaphor” for anxiety and the hidden cultural, genetic, and environmental layers that contribute.
[14:05] - Common triggers for anxiety, from childhood experiences to significant life events, and their impact on mental health.
[21:27] - The role of fear and how it connects to anxiety, plus how to push through when it matters most.
[28:49] - Simple yet powerful coping strategies like exercise, mindfulness, and being in nature.
[39:36] - The importance of exposure therapy and facing fears gradually to build resilience.
[45:20] - Why medication is a valuable option for managing clinical anxiety and overcoming stigma around it.
[53:16] - Lifestyle strategies like diet, sleep, and relaxation techniques to ease everyday anxiety.
[1:01:56] - Recommended books and resources for learning more about anxiety and effective treatments.

Resources:

Recommended reading:

• The Anatomy of Anxiety by Dr. Ellen Vora
• Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers
• More book recommendations are listed on our website!

For more on this topic visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org If you have questions please email us at info@insightsfromthecouch.org we would love to hear from you!

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

Today we sit down with the incredible Cait Flanders to explore what it really means to live an intentional life. Cait, author of The Year of Less and Adventures in Opting Out, shares her journey of opting out of societal norms, creating life on her own terms, and learning how to navigate her way through sobriety, minimalism, and self-compassion. Cait opens up about her decision to quit drinking, her shopping ban that led to a massive decluttering of her life—both physically and emotionally—and the tough but necessary journey of finding clarity through less. This is an episode about finding peace in simplicity, courage in self-awareness, and learning how to let go of what no longer serves us.

Episode Highlights:
[02:27] - Letting go of relationships and finding peace with personal boundaries.[06:12] - Societal pressure and opting out of the social “noise”.
[06:30] - Welcoming Cait as she joins us to share her story firsthand.
[07:55] - Cait’s shopping ban: how decluttering and minimalism started her journey.
[11:34] - Evolving from financial goals to a deeper emotional transformation.
[15:37] - Navigating sobriety and finding healthy coping mechanisms.
[18:26] - Facing raw emotions during the year of less and embracing vulnerability.
[24:15] - Cait’s dad on sobriety: “It’s so much better on this side”.
[26:35] - Self-compassion and letting go of shame for past choices.
[31:20] - Cultivating resilience and self-trust through intentional change.
[35:49] - Embracing emotional growth and self-connection to enrich relationships.

Connect with Cait Flanders:

• Website: https://www.caitflanders.com/
• Newsletter: https://caitflanders.substack.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caitflanders

For more on this topic visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org If you have questions please email us at info@insightsfromthecouch.org we would love to hear from you!

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, we sit down with the incredible Sandy Weiner, internationally recognized dating coach, TEDx speaker, best-selling author, and host of Last First Date Radio. Sandy shares her journey of rediscovering love at midlife and the empowering lessons she’s learned about dating, self-knowledge, and personal growth. We dive into her holistic approach to dating and relationships, explore the surprising ways midlifers can find lasting love, and discuss what it really takes to build a meaningful relationship at this stage of life. Join us as we uncover the keys to finding—and keeping—a lasting love.

Episode Highlights:
[00:00] - Introduction to Sandy Weiner and her inspiring journey to becoming a dating and relationship coach.
[05:25] - The influence of family dynamics on our approach to relationships.
[07:22] - Coaching highlights and witnessing clients grow into fulfilling relationships.
[13:05] - Staying open to unexpected romantic connections, even in unlikely places.
[18:51] - The rise of self-sufficient women at midlife and the choice to remain single unless a partner adds genuine value.
[20:48] - Overcoming the most common dating obstacles and the importance of a growth mindset.
[29:38] - Knowing and respecting your “operating system” in relationships.
[30:49] - Secrets to making love last, from self-improvement to embracing compatibility over chemistry.

Resources:

• Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourlastfirstdate/
• Website: http://lastfirstdate.com/
• Last First Date Radio Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/last-first-date-radio/id586220219?mt=2
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lastfirstdate1/
• YouTube Last First Date https://youtube.com/@Lastfirstdate
• Free Gift: Book Bonuses for Love at Last: https://lastfirstdate.com/love-at-last-book-bonuses-sign-up-page/ https://lastfirstdate.com/loveatlastbonus

For more on this topic visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org If you have questions please email us at info@insightsfromthecouch.org we would love to hear from you!

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

In today’s episode of Insights from the Couch, we discuss the evolving conversation around work, family, and redefining what it means to take a career pause. Joined by Neha Ruch, founder of the platform Mother Untitled, we explore the insights from her upcoming book, The Power Pause, and how it encourages women to embrace career downshifts or pauses with confidence and purpose. Neha shares her journey of moving from corporate ambition to an intentional family-focused life, challenging outdated beliefs that staying at home and career ambitions are mutually exclusive.

Together, we explore the fluidity in women’s career choices, discuss the economic and social shifts that allow flexibility in work-family balance, and the importance of owning your unique journey without shame or fear.

Episode Highlights:
[0:00] – Introduction to the episode and welcoming Neha Ruch, founder of Mother Untitled.
[1:34] – Neha shares her journey from corporate life to embracing a career pause.
[4:47] – Discussing the cultural expectations and shifting narratives around motherhood and career.
[7:26] – The pandemic’s impact on work-life balance and caregiving in America.[11:16] – The real financial considerations in choosing to stay at home or pause a career.
[13:36] – Maximizing a career pause: Personal growth and keeping the door open for future work.
[18:15] – Why developing an “expansive identity” during family life stages can lead to a stronger career reentry.
[23:10] – Addressing fears about a “resume gap” and reframing it as a “career portfolio.”
[27:02] – What America can learn from other countries about family leave and healthcare.
[29:23] – The role of social media in supporting flexible work and women-owned businesses.
[32:08] – Tips for finding flexible work options that align with your family’s needs.

Resources:

• Neha's platform supporting women in family-focused career choices - https://www.motheruntitled.com/
• This is a game-changing strategic guide for mothers in career shifts Amazon or Bookshop.org
• Follow on Instagram: @motheruntitled

For more on this topic visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org If you have questions please email us at info@insightsfromthecouch.org we would love to hear from you!

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

This week, we’re joined by the incredible Dr. Marnie Feuerman, a renowned couples therapist and author of Ghosted and Breadcrumbed. Together, we tackle the heart-wrenching question so many face: Should I stay in this relationship or should I leave? Dr. Marnie shares her wisdom on navigating divorce ambivalence, emotional disconnection, and the power of discernment counseling to find clarity and confidence. Are you in a “gray divorce” phase or just questioning your connection? The insights Dr. Marni Feuerman shares can help you move forward with intention.

We talk about the importance of emotional availability, how systemic understanding can transform relational dynamics, and why some relationships struggle during midlife transitions. Dr. Marnie also unpacks the nuances of attachment styles and how they shape the way couples connect or disconnect. Don’t miss this candid and compassionate conversation that may just help you find the clarity you’ve been searching for.

Episode Highlights:
[00:02] - Introducing Dr. Marnie Feuerman and her expertise in relationship counseling.
[01:56] - Dr. Marnie shares her perspective on why divorce ambivalence is so common and the complexities behind such a monumental decision.
[05:23] - Discussing "gray divorce" and how empty nest syndrome can magnify marital issues.
[08:05] - The impact of menopause and hormonal changes on intimacy and connection in relationships.
[11:39] - Emotional unavailability explained: What it looks like, how it affects relationships, and the role of attachment styles.
[15:55] - Colette reflects on her own experience with emotional disconnection in a marriage.
[20:23] - The "lottery test" question: A surprising way to explore how someone feels about staying in their marriage.
[26:34] - The difference between being “in love” versus experiencing a deeper, companionate love.
[30:48] - Dr. Marnie explains discernment counseling: What it is and how it helps couples clarify their next steps.
[36:30] - Why couples therapy requires at least one “cheerleader” for the relationship to succeed.
[41:22] - Final takeaways: Why seeking professional guidance with a systemic approach is essential when facing relationship crossroads.

Resources:

• Dr. Marni Feuerman’s Website: https://www.drmarnionline.com/
• Dr. Marni Feuerman’s Psychotherapy: https://thetalkingsolution.com/
• Dr. Marni Feuerman’s Book: Ghosted and Breadcrumbed: Stop Falling for Unavailable Men and Get Smart about Healthy Relationships

For more on this topic visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org If you have questions please email us at info@insightsfromthecouch.org we would love to hear from you!

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

Welcome to season three of Insights From The Couch! We are kicking off 2025 with an inspiring discussion about creating real, meaningful change as we step into the New Year. Should you set resolutions or focus on intentions? Is there a "right" way to build habits? In this episode, we unpack the science of habit formation, the power of identity-based goals, and what it means to take radical responsibility for your life. You'll hear practical advice, motivational stories, and strategies to keep you inspired long after January ends.

Join us as we explore how tiny, incremental changes can lead to monumental shifts in your life and why embracing both discipline and self-compassion is key to achieving your goals. Whether you're looking to tackle fitness, finances, or personal growth, this episode will leave you ready to take action—one small step at a time.

Episode Highlights:

[0:03] - Introducing season three and the concept of meaningful New Year’s change.
[2:34] - Exploring SMART goals vs. wildly improbable goals and why you need both vision and incremental action.
[6:24] - The science of habit formation: Atomic Habits, tiny habits, and why small changes matter.
[10:53] - Radical responsibility: owning your life and choices, and why this is the foundation for change.
[16:17] - Reading “The Risks of Autonomy” and reflecting on its powerful message of personal accountability.
[23:11] - Personal stories of significant life changes, from quitting smoking to overcoming financial struggles.
[36:22] - The importance of discipline and consistency in creating lasting habits.
[43:19] - Starting small: how a 2-minute habit can transform your life.
[52:40] - Doubling down on your strengths and why change isn’t just about fixing weaknesses.

Resources:

For more on this topic visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org If you have questions please email us at info@insightsfromthecouch.org we would love to hear from you!

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

The holidays can be stressful, but what if we shifted our focus to finding the little joys in life? In our final mini-episode of the season, we explore how to chase, find, and savor those joyful nuggets that make life sweeter—whether it's a perfectly brewed cup of coffee, a warm hug, or a deep connection with someone you love. Join us for an honest, playful, and heartwarming conversation about creating more joy, even when life feels heavy.

Episode Highlights:
[1:43] - Why it’s hard for some to find joy and how intentionality changes everything.
[2:31] - How small sensory pleasures like coffee, hot showers, and morning runs keep Laura grounded and joyful.
[5:21] - The power of meaningful relationships, deep conversations, and shared moments of vulnerability.
[10:09] - The importance of letting loose, embracing fun, and finding freedom in the little things.
[12:47] - How mindfulness, humor, and gratitude transform the mundane into magic.
[19:42] - A simple tool for keeping perspective and reducing frustration when life gets stressful.
[21:23] - A reminder to live true to yourself and prioritize what really matters.

Resources:
For more on this topic visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org If you have questions please email us at info@insightsfromthecouch.org we would love to hear from you!
If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!
Stay tuned—Season 3 launches on January 8, 2025!